Join us to build future, Gordon Brown urges Taliban

Gordon Brown today held out an olive branch to Taliban warlords as he laid the ground for a major summit on how to win the war in Afghanistan.

Vowing to "split the Taliban" he promised them a full part in the rebuilt Afghanistan if they unite behind the allied-backed elected government in Kabul.

This week's London Conference of 60 countries is set to map out a five-year timetable for hard military combat and expensive civilian reconstruction work, it is hoped leading to the withdrawal of allied troops in about 2015.

Speaking at No 10, the Prime Minister said a major aim was to bring about the defection of commanders and mercenaries. "Over the long term we can split the Taliban," he said.

"I believe there are many people who will be brought over." Some were paid mercenaries rather than believers in the Taliban cause while others became embroiled through local disputes that could be settled. "But they have to renounce violence, and be part of the democratic process," said Mr Brown.

The Prime Minister wants the conference to give hope to the Afghan people of rising prosperity under struggling president Hamid Karzai and billions of pounds in reconstruction aid will be on offer to reward a peace process.

A leaked early draft of the conclusions points to a phased hand-over of territories beginning with the most stable and safe districts in the middle of next year.

But it would be at least five years before Afghan soldiers took charge in every area and the US general in charge, David Petraeus, today warned that the fighting against the cornered Taliban guerrillas would get even tougher for the allies before victory.

The summit at Lancaster House will be co-hosted by Mr Brown, president Karzai and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, with representatives from about 30 Nato and partner governments involved in military and civilian operations.